Mariners call up Emerson Hancock as a new bullpen arm

After just two appearances in relief in Triple-A, the Seattle Mariners are ready to see Emerson Hancock work out of the bullpen in the big leagues.

The Mariners have recalled the 26-year-old right-handed pitcher from the Tacoma Rainiers ahead of their series finale Wednesday against the San Diego Padres.

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To make room on Seattle’s 26-man roster, rookie right-hander Sauryn Lao has been optioned to Tacoma.

Hancock had exclusively been a starting pitcher since the Mariners drafted him in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Georgia – until last week, that is. He threw an inning out of the Rainiers’ bullpen for the first time on Aug. 20 against Oklahoma City, allowing a run on two hits and a walk with one strikeout. He made a second relief appearance against OKC on Sunday, that time throwing a clean inning with a strikeout.

More: Mariners’ next bullpen arm? Emerson Hancock touches 99 mph in relief

The velocity of the 6-foot-4 Hancock’s fastball went up with the shorter assignments out of the bullpen, averaging 97 mph over the two outings and topping out at 99.1 mph on Sunday.

Whoa. When I was told yesterday Hancock’s next outing out of the pen would be today, I guess they meant here. Looking forward to seeing this! https://t.co/NTP9JRlrUs

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) August 27, 2025

Hancock has made 30 career MLB appearances for the Mariners since his debut in 2023 – all starts. That includes 15 this year filling in for injured M’s starters.

He opened the season in Seattle’s rotation but was quickly sent down to Triple-A after a rough first outing. Hancock bounced back strongly after his return to the big leagues in mid-April, though, as he had an 11-game stretch where he posted a 3.63 ERA.

Hancock was optioned back to Triple-A in early July after he had two rough starts in a three-game stretch. On the year, he has a 3-5 record, 5.47 ERA and 1.435 WHIP for the Mariners.

In 11 Triple-A appearances (nine starts) in 2025, Hancock is 1-2 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.

The 26-year-old Lao had pitched twice in relief for the Mariners this season, allowing three earned runs in 3 1/2 innings for an 8.10 ERA. He’s appeared in 21 Triple-A games this year including 18 starts, and has a 2-4 record, 3.00 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

The Mariners wrap up their three-game series against the Padres and six-game homestand at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports begins at noon with the pregame show.

The M’s will have Thursday off, then begin a 10-day, nine-game road trip at 4:10 p.m. Friday in Cleveland.

Seattle (71-62) enters play Wednesday three games ahead of the Kansas City Royals for the third and final wild card in the American League. The M’s are 1 1/2 games back of the New York Yankees for the second wild card and two games back of the Boston Red Sox for the first wild card, as well as 1 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros for the lead in the AL West.

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